Betnovate RD Cream

Betnovate RD Cream is a topical corticosteroid that is primarily used to alleviate various inflammatory skin conditions. Its active ingredient, betamethasone valerate, works by reducing redness, itching, and inflammation associated with dermatological issues such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. This cream is particularly effective in managing these conditions due to its anti-inflammatory properties, helping to provide relief from discomfort and promoting the healing of the affected skin. It is essential to use Betnovate RD Cream as directed by a healthcare professional to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of potential side effects. 

No, Betnovate cream is not available over the counter in the UK; it is a prescription-only medication. This means that individuals seeking to use Betnovate cream need a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional. Prescriptions can be easily obtained at Meds for Less following a short text-based consultation, which will be sent to a prescribing health care professional to review. This is all included in the price of your order.  

questionnaire is submitted, it is reviewed by a prescriber, enabling eligible individuals to purchase Colgate Duraphat based on their specific oral health needs. This approach ensures that consumers have a streamlined pathway to obtaining these specialized dental care products while maintaining adherence to regulatory and safety standards. 

Several alternatives to Betnovate RD cream are available, offering similar relief for various skin conditions. Betamethasone Valerate Cream is one such alternative, containing the same active ingredient to address inflammation, itching, and redness associated with dermatological issues. Betnovate Ointment, another option, provides a different formulation that may be preferable for some individuals. Additionally, healthcare professionals may consider alternative corticosteroids or topical medications, such as hydrocortisone cream, depending on the specific nature and severity of the skin condition.  

Betnovate RD Cream PIL – https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.932.pdf 

Betnovate cream should be used in place of stronger steroid creams when a milder and safer treatment is appropriate. Its lower strength (Betnovate valerate 0.025%) makes it appropriate when potent or very aggressive steroids would be too strong or pose a higher risk of side effects. 

Some examples of when to use Betnovate instead of stronger creams include:

• Sensitive skin areas such as:
  • Face, neck, groin or armpits as these areas are more prone to skin thinning or steroid induced effects 
  • Stronger steroids such as mometasone and clobetasol carry a greater risk of side effects
• Milder or early stage conditions such as:
  • Mild eczema, seborrheic dermatitis or irritant contact dermatitis
  • When inflammation is not as severe, betnovate is not as effective 
• Children over the age of 1
  • Used when milder options like 1% hydrocortisone have not worked
  • Safer than stronger opioids with fewer risks of systemic absorption 
• Maintenance and remission
  • Stronger steroids may be used during an acute flare up of a skin condition however after remission is induced, betnovate can be used to maintain control and prevent relapse. 
  • This helps prevent rebound symptoms and limits long term exposure. 
• When longer treatment courses are needed
  • When longer treatment courses are needed, milder steroids like Betnovate are necessary to reduce the risk of side effects.

Betnovate RD cream is not available Over the Counter in the UK, however it is suitable for the treatment of allergic skin conditions such as contact dermatitis, insect bite allergies or mild atopic dermatitis.

Betnovate helps these conditions by 

• Reducing inflammation and itching, 
• Alleviating itching
• Calming the skin’s immune response

Betnovate should not be used in the following situations:

• The skin is infected, broken or oozing
• You’re treating facial swelling, anaphylaxis or angio-oedema (these require systemic treatment)
• You have not identified the trigger or your symptoms are widespread 

To store Betnovate cream for long term safe use – follow these best practices:

• Keep at room temperature and avoid temperature extremes:

• Keep the cap tightly closed (always close the cap to prevent it from drying it out and stopping contamination.

• Store in a dry place and avoid damp and humid environments like bathrooms

• Keep out of reach of children

• Check the expiry date listed on the packaging, tube or carton 

• Once opened the cream is generally safe to use for the next 3 months – however it is best to follow specific advice given by the pharmacy or on the carton 

Yes there are some side effects and risks associated with the prolonged use of Betnovate RD cream. 

Even though it is a lower strength corticosteroid, prolonged usage for any skin condition, including Eczema can cause serious skin and systemic side effects. 

Some of these risks include:

• Skin thinning and atrophy
  • Long term steroid use can weaken the skin- making it:
    • Thin
    • Fragile
    • Easily bruised or torn
• Stretch marks and striae
  • Especially on areas where the skin is thinner like inner thighs or armpits
• Topical steroid addiction or withdrawal
  • The skin can become dependent or addicted to the cream – worsening when stopped
  • Symptoms of this  include redness, burning, stinging or flaring after discontinuation 
• Chronic steroid use can also cause delayed wound healing 

For long term care of skin conditions, it may be more advisable to use Emollients and creams. This is in addition to making lifestyle changes such as avoiding inflammatory triggers, allergens or humid air.

Betnovate RD cream is not meant for prolonged use, it is best reserved for short bursts of flares, after which maintenance treatment can be managed by non-steroidal medicines and creams.

The choice of Buying Betnovate RD from a local pharmacy or online depends on factors and priorities such as convenience,cost, speed and need for professional guidance:

For an easy comparison ,you can find some Pros and Cons of buying Betnovate online (From meds For Less) or at a local pharmacy in the table below. 

Table 2: Comparing the Pros and Cons of buying Betnovate RD cream online or at the Local store. 

Buying from your local pharmacy offers you the chance to seek personal advice from your GP or pharmacist. 

However buying online from Meds For Less gives you the the following benefits:

• Opportunity to receive your medicines within 24 hours of placing the order, 
• Having a safe prescription from a licensed Uk doctor who will have reviewed your prescription request and corresponding need
• Ready stock – easily available at our website 
• Being able to order from the convenience of your home easily, reliably and conveniently.